By Eddah Waithaka
The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), has officially introduced the project titled “Extending Social Protection Coverage to Workers in the Informal Economy in Lao PDR and Kenya and Leveraging Digital Transformation: through South-South Cooperation.”
This initiative is an extension of the Social Protection Coverage project, which is funded by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the People’s Republic of China.
During the event, Dr. Alfred Mutua, Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, remarked that “This initiative aims to utilize South-South cooperation to improve policy design, administrative governance, and operational efficiency within social protection systems.”
“I am also aware that the cooperation between the above two entities will bring substantial experience and proven strategies to this project with the ultimate aim of expanding Social Protection to the unreached in Society in Kenya.” added the CS.
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Mr. Joseph Motari, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, stated, “This launch closely follows last year’s unveiling of Kenya’s strategy aimed at broadening social protection coverage for the informal and rural sectors. We have since created an implementation matrix, and I am confident that this strategy is timely, especially as we work to ensure that no one is left behind.”
PS Motari further noted, “While we have made significant progress with initiatives like the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Program, we recognize that challenges persist especially in effectively reaching workers in the rural and informal sectors. Expanding social protection to include this demographic is not merely an obligation; it is essential for achieving the transformative goals we seek.”
Social protection is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and it should be accessible to everyone, including those employed in the informal economy. This sector is crucial to many economies around the globe, especially in Kenya and Lao PDR.
In her address, Ms. Jacqueline Mugo, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), stated, “Our challenge extends beyond policy; it encompasses the financing of these essential aspirations. To ensure the success of a social protection system, it requires a united effort from all parties involved: government, employers, workers, and civil society. Without sustainable funding mechanisms in place, these aspirations will remain merely aspirations.”
